Robots Beats everyone but Stolen Comic Flick Didn't do Bad

As 2009 comes to a close, Hollywood made out like bandits despite the bad economy. In comic book film news, Fox’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which is currently the #11 movie released in 2009, was the top-grossing comic book based movie with a domestic total of $179,883,157, followed by Warner Bros.’ Watchmen, which earned $107,509,79 and is the #28 top grossing movie of the year. On the general genre movie news Disney’s Surrogates settles at #72 making only $38,577,772 while top properties include the #1 film of the year, Transformers: Revenge of the Fall which earned $402,111,870, The Twilight Saga: New Moon is at #4, earning $281,930,000, Star Trek sits comfortably at #6, with box office earnings of $257,730, 019, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra earned #16, $150,201,498, and Coraline took #39, $75,286,229. Despite stolen films, bad critic reviews, and being mocked by the core nerd market these films helped Hollywood have an increase earnings of $10.4 billion which is an increase from last years $9.68 billion in 2008. Believe it or not the increase in earnings is a result of the rise in 3-D and Imax releases coupled with the higher ticket prices for both.

Episode 129 - Die Hard With a Podcast

Every podcast has got to have a Christmas episode, and for this show we pick Die Hard because it has everything you need for a X-mas movie. Santa, X-Mas songs, parties, wise-cracking cops, a string of fake international terrorists and a franchise. Merry Christmas and enjoy.

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Green Lantern's Light

SuperHeroHype reports that Martin Campbell’s adaptation of Green Lantern will have some Oscar-winners in its roster when it comes to the behind-the-camera work. First up, you have cinematographer Dion Beebe. Also production designer Grant Major and costume designer Ngila Dickson who both won Oscars for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Finally, not an Oscar-winner, art director François Audouy is the guy with the superhero resume in his back pocket having worked in the art department on all three Spider-Man movies and as the art director on Transformers and Watchmen. While we’re still waiting to hear about casting beyond Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern, there’s no denying that Campbell has assembled a stellar line-up of non-actors to get another DC superhero franchise off the ground. Green Lantern is slated to hit theaters on June 17, 2011.

Capt. America Throws That Mighty Shield Starting in June

In an interview with The Wolfman director Joe Johnston, Fangoria reports that his next film, The First Avenger: Captain America is set to go in front of cameras in June. That’s not too surprising when you consider the film has a target release date of July 22, 2011. According to Fangoria, Johnston is currently meeting with the art department. More news on this as we find it.

Episode #128 - WTF

What makes genre stuff their best are those WTF moments. What makes them their worse are the ones that makes you say "WTF were they thinking?" On this episode we discuss WTF moments in a few of our favorite things.

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Stephen King's "N"

In March Marvel Comics will publish the first installment in a 4-issue graphic fiction mini-series adaptation of Stephen King’s N. Writer Marc Guggenheim and artist Alex Maleev, the creative team behind Marvel’s motion comic adaptation of N, will obviously handle the same chores on the traditional comic book version. Maleev will provide both the cover and interior art for the first issue of N, which will go on sale in March with a $3.99 cover price.

At the Movies

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey, Jr. set a new Christmas weekend box office debut record with an estimated $65.4 million, but it wasn’t enough to win the weekend crown, which went to James Cameron’s holdover Avatar. Avatar dropped a miniscule 2.6% as it brought in a stellar estimated total of $77 million. Fox, which released Avatar, also had the #3 film, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakwell, which brought in an estimated $50.2 million. Add in Universal’s geriatric romantic comedy, It’s Complicated, which debuted to $22.1 million and strong performances from Up in the Air and The Blind Side and the weekend total was north of $285 million, a performance that obliterated the previous record-setting frame when The Dark Knight debuted in July of 2008 and drove the weekend total to $260 million.

Episode 127 - The Chronicles of the Hideout

On this episode we talk about one of the best anti-heroes to come out of genre fiction, Riddick. From the moment you hear his voice in Pitch Black you knew something interesting has been presented and after 2 movies, 3 animations, and just as many video games Riddick has proven an enduring characters. The Hideout discusses Riddick and we go for the sweet spot. Enjoy.

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Bucking Marvel

Marvel Comics has announced the launch of Marvel’s Greatest Comics, a new imprint featuring the first issues of Marvel Collected editions for $1.00, in March. Invincible Iron Man #1, the first title released under the new imprint, will be offered free. The titles planned for release in March are:

Invincible Iron Man #1 on March 3rd
Captain America #1 on March 10th
Wonderful Wizard of Oz #1 on March 17th
Thor #1 on March 24th
Punisher Max #1 on March 31st

One More Ring to Rule Us All

A major Lord of the Rings program will be launched in April, anchored by the release of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy on Blu-ray on April 6th. Also planned for release in April is Ralph Bakshi’s Lord of the Rings animated feature in a new Deluxe Edition on Blu-ray, remastered for the first time with new Dolby 5:1 audio and new content, streeting on April 13th. And Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest, a new videogame for Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and PSP will also debut after the release of the Blu-ray LotR.

Stargate U Gotta Be Kidding Me

Syfy has renewed Stargate: Universe for a second season, according to Hollywood Reporter. The network also renewed Sanctuary for a third season. The new seasons of the two shows will premiere in the fall. SGU is currently in its midseason break; its first season will resume in April.

Frazetta on a Back Hoe

Alfonso Frank Frazetta, the son of famed fantasy artist Frank Frazetta, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with stealing $20 million worth of paintings by his father, according to the Pocono Record. A backhoe was used to gain entrance to the family-run museum, and the 90 paintings were loaded into a vehicle and trailer with the help of two other men. Frazetta Jr. told the police that his father had given him permission to enter the museum and move the paintings; Frank Frazetta, who was in Florida at the time, told the police he had not.

Bruce is Back - YEAH, BABY, YEAH!!!

Bruce Wayne will be returning as the secret identity of Batman in Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, a six-issue miniseries launching in April. DC revealed the new series on its blog, and writer Grant Morrison promoted it with an interview with USA Today on Wednesday.

Cameron's Voyage

James Cameron will produce a remake of Fantastic Voyage using the same 3D digital technology he used in Avatar, according to Variety. Cameron also told British journalists that he had worked out stories for two Avatar sequels, which would use the CG world created for the first film. Fox would not confirm plans for the sequels, according to the report. The investment in the new technology for Avatar was substantial, and all concerned are looking for new ways to use it.

Episode 126 - I Am Jack's Podcast

The first rule of listening to this podcast is you must talk about this podcast. Why because this is about Fight Club, as only the hideout can discuss it. This is this weeks show, and it's ending one track space at a time - enjoy.

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Marvel's Maisel Resigns

Marvel Entertainment has announced that David Maisel will resign his position as chairman of Marvel Studios once the Disney deal is approved. Kevin Feige, who became Marvel Studios’ Production Chief in March of 2007, will be the primary Marvel Studios executive reporting to Disney’s Rich Ross, once Maisel leaves. Maisel will remain as executive producer on Iron Man 2, The First Avenger: Captain America, and Thor, all of which are in various states of production and development at Marvel Studios.

The Curious Sales of Floppies and Graphics

Sales of periodical comic books through Diamond Comic Distributors were up 12% over sales in November of 2008, but graphic novels dropped by 26%, when compared with November of 2008 when the graphic novel category was boosted by continuing sales of Watchmen and a number of strong releases including the Heroes graphic novel, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier, and Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born. The steep fall in graphic novel sales marked the category's 8th straight month of declines. Overall combined sales of comics and graphic novels were almost identical with those in November of 2008.

Blackest 10

After one hell of a ring promotion coupled with one of the best event issues DC rules the top ten comics in November sales. (See our top 25 sales breakdown.) Thanks to a combination of special orders that featured the seven rings of the different colored Lantern Corps. and the prior year long promotion of the highly anticipated Blackest Night event not only did Blackest Night #5 show a 5% increase in over all sales (and that does include the five different covers). This promotion was potent enough to push Booster Gold #26 into the top 25 at #19. Four other Blackest Night tie-ins, Green Lantern #48, Justice League of America #39, Adventure Comics #4, and Green Lantern Corps #42 all made the top ten. Go DC!

Episode 125 - Dafixer's Roughnecks

There are some movies that come along and change everything. They set a new standard, give us much to think about, make the world pause and the marvel of something new and different. Starship Troopers isn't one of those movie. But it's a movie that was a lot of fun, action packed and didn't hold back on how much fun wasn't. Here's Starship Troopers from the Hideout perspective. Enjoy.

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Pam Against "the Wall"

As Smallville continues it's trends of pretending Smallville has nothign to do with Supmerman, you know by adding Green Arrow, Flash, Cyborg, Lex Luthor, Man with the Krytonite heart, Brainiac and others DC comic members to make sure no one associates Smallville with a guy in tights - they've decide to continue this by adding one of the toughest ladies in comics. Movie tough womanlegend in her own right Pam Grier has signed on to portray Amanda Waller on multiple episodes this season. According to Entertainment Weekly, Grier’s first appearance as Waller will come in the second half of the highly anticipated "Justice Society" two-part episode by comic scribe Geoff Johns. Amanda Waller was previously portrayed by CCH Pounder in the animated series “Justice League Unlimited” and more recently in “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.” Waller is also rumored to appear in “Super Max” and the “Suicide Squad” movie that was announced earlier this year.

Episode 124 - Master of Gun Fu

In the 1st years of the 21st Century, CGI got better and because of this mankind began to make a lot more Science Fiction and Fantasy. Because of this we at the Hideout could do the Hideout Focus shows. And on this ep, we focus on Equilibrium - one of the best sci-fi movies to ever made. Enjoy.

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Episode 123a - Where Were You When? . . .Again

Long overdue but always here to stay the second part of our epic episode tracking where we were as geeks during some of geeks biggest moments. Plus a discussion on Blackest Night/Dark Reign, too much TV and even some great podcasts. Enjoy.

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A Possible Black Cat or Spider-Woman

The producers of Spider-Man 4 have approached actress Anne Hathaway to star in the next Spidey movie. Nikki Finke has confirmed on her Deadline Hollywood blog that Sony has approached Hathaway be be a part of the next wallcrawler epic. Unfortunately Hathaway will not be replacing Kirsten Dunst as MJ, so speculation is rife on the net concerning the nature of the role that Hathaway is being offered. The current consensus is that she is being offered the role of The Black Cat, but some think Hathaway is more the Spider-Woman type. So far there as been no confirmation on any of this from Hathawy or Sony. Spider-Man 4 is set to debut in theaters in May of 2011.

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Hawkman!

Michael Shanks will appear as Hawkman in a two-hour Smallville movie event featuring the Justice Society, according to TV Guide. The special will air on February 5. Shanks brings some geek fans with him; he’s Dr. Daniel Jackson in episodes of multiple Stargate series.

Doctor Who by Michael Moorcock

Fantasy and science fiction author Michael Moorcock announced that he will be writing a Doctor Who novel on his Website. It will be a new novel, not an adaptation, and is expected to appear by the holiday season of 2010. Sounds like it’s not quite inked yet; Moorcock says he expects to be “signing shortly.

No More Playing With Dolls

Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse, which premiered to weak ratings this season, has been canceled by Fox, according to Hollywood Reporter. It’s expected to finish its thirteen episode season, but it’s not clear when the episodes will air. It has been off the air during sweeps month and was slated to resume airing new episodes in December. The fact that the series has been canceled does not necessarily mean the property is dead. Whedon took the ideas from his canceled series Firefly and turned them into the theatrical release Serenity, after the devotion of fans showed that there would be a market for the film.

Episode 123 - Where Were You When? . . .Again

A new month and a visit to an old topic. We do another look at where we were at great moments in geekness. But first a serious discussion on what the Frak is going on with out children, a look at the Scream Award 09, and is Blackest Night really that good. If you miss the Summer, come and get warm with another exciting episode.

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Episode 22a - Horror for Pussies

In our 122a spook-tacular we have a conversation about horror movies and TV for people who don't like horror movies. But first we talk over Peter's (of CGS) reply to our reply, the crap load of TV and, of course, the Best in podcast. When there's no more room in Hell the dead will rise and listen to this episode - see what all the cool zombies are talking about. . .besides brains.

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Episode #122 - Horror for Pussies

There are just some people who don't like good horror, the stuff with real boo-scares and thrills and chills. In honor of them for the season of Halloween we present horror comics, movies and TV that a little more lighter and gentler - stuff that is horror at it's core but not so bad they will send the kids screaming under the bed. But first, a rant, Big Apple report, news and comic reviews. No head will be chopped in the making of this episode - enjoy & HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

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No Dollhouse in November

That's right Browncoats, Fox is pulling Dollhouse from the air for the entire month of November. While DVR ratings have given the show a boast the first run rating pretty much suck. The show will return in December with back to back episodes and Summer Glau added to the cast, but Fox has only ordered 13 episodes and still another season is in doubt.

Charlize Theron Beyoung Thunderdome

Charlize Theron is rumored to be slated to star as the female lead in Mad Max 4, according to E! Online. The film, which will be directed by George Miller - who made the first three films in the series - has been in development for several years but Miller is apparently now auditioning cast members, according to the report. Miller has said publicly that he thinks Mel Gibson is both too old and probably uninterested in doing a fourth film, and is reportedly looking at Tom Hardy as the male lead. This, course, leads to the most logical question, they're making another Mad Max Film? Really?

NickToons for Turtles

Looks like the heroes in a half-shell is getting new life in Nickelodeon. Reportedly they paid Mirage Group and 4Kids a combined $60 million dollars for the intellectual rights to the property Eastman and Laird created way back in 1984. Nichelodeon plans to launch a live action feature as well as a CGI animated series by 2012. This will also mean more comics and toys and, God help us, video games if the project is successful.

V Marks the Spots

Dear God, talk about advertising overkill. ABC plans to promote it's upcoming V reboot by skywriting the letter V over major landmarks, all over the US, in Boston, California, New York, Texas, and even Las Vegas. When all is said and sky-wrote, the giant "V" will make an appearance over 26 landmarks. ABC has ordered 13 episodes of V, with plans for a four-season series with a beginning, middle and end. Seasons are expected to be 13 to 22 episodes each. The first four episode run will begin in November. No plans for posters of lizards eating gerbals yet, but hey - you never know.

Marvel Live

Marvel will host MarvelFest NYC on October 28th, an indoor-outdoor event to launch its Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic. The actual premiere of the motion comic will be projected three stories high in Union Square in New York City. Events begin at 4 p.m. on the 28th at Forbidden Planet, where Neal Adams, Chris Claremont, and Dan Slott appear to sign autographs. The Union Square portion of the events include giveaways, an opportunity for fans to photograph themselves in a Marvel cover, sketches from Marvel creators, and a MarvelFest Costume Contest with limited edition figures and comics as participation prizes for entrants.

Episode 121a - Down With the King

Steven King became the Modern Master of horror with books like Carrie, Salem's Lot, Christine, The Dark Half and dozens of other. So we of the Hideout have a conversation about how his books and movies have affected our lives. But first some feedback, a crap load of TV and the podcasts we love the most for the week. No quotes from the Book of Counted sorrows can be found in this episode, just a lot of fun so listen and enjoy.

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Already Industructable

One of the most interesting reports from San Diego Comicon was how people in the film and television industry scooping up comic meterial, a lot of which had been published yet. For the first time up and coming writer, artists had as much a chance at getting a Hollywood contract as established creators. An interesting result of this is the announcement that Fox21 acquired the rights to Platinum Studios’ Indestructible Man, a yet-to-be-published comic, for a TV series. The story, according to Hollywood Reporter, is about a secret agent who can’t be killed. Is this a sign of things to come? Will web comic creators be next? Only time will tell.

Ultimate Enemy

Brian Michael Bendis recently appeared on MTV's Splash Page with another announcement that had nothing to do with the Powers TV show or the ending to the current Dark Reign storyline. This time the attention was turned on the Ultimate Universe that recently experienced a mass Super-Hero death event called Ultimatum. And in this story, a huge list of Heroes and villians got offed with hopefully no take-backs, or last minute saves. In the wake of Ultimate the Ultimate universe was reduced to two main monthly titles, Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate Avengers, and a mini-series - Ultimate Iron Man: Armor Wars. Following this will be Ultimate Enemy, a three mini-series storyline coming January 2010 and staring what's left of the ultimate universe. The format will be like the Ultimate Galactus Story, in the form of three minies - Ultimate Enemy, Ultimate Mystery and finally Ultimate Doom. Bendis isn't saying if the last title is any kind of reveal as to the nature of this "enemy" but he did say this: "A new enemy brings forth a big mystery, and certain pinpoints of the Marvel universe are attacked by some grandiose villainy. . .the whole cast of Spider-Man, what's left of the Fantastic Four, Nick Fury and all kinds of other characters. It's a really big, whopping mystery"

Episode 121 - Down With the King

It is only fitting that in the month of Halloween we take a look at the modern master of horror, Stephen King, a man whose books defined a generation and changed the face of horror forever. But first another reply to another CGS episode ending, where torrent downloads have gone now that MP3's have a real business model, and whose going to take on the next series of predators. All this plus comics and dragons and doll-whores - oh my.

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Adapting the Gunslinger

After a successful run of new stories from the Steven King book series, The Gunslinger, Marvel is finally getting around to adapting the first novel. Starting in 2010 Peter David, Robin Furth, and Richard Isanove returns to start a multi-series adaptation of Dark Tower: The Gunslinger - similar to the way Marvel is adapting The Stand. Dark Tower: The Gunslinger is the first novel in King’s seven-volume magnum opus, which was released from 1982 to 2005.

The Plan's T & A

A photo spread in the November issue of Maxim features Battlestar Galactica’s Tricia Helfer and Grace Park, whose appearance in the magazine is timed to promote Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, the two hour prequel due for DVD release on October 27th. According to Helfer, "here will certainly be a lot more explicit action on the DVD. And I refuse to have a body double, so you will see a little bit of skin from me as the Six characters. There’s also a new character you’ll see in some very intense sex scenes." According to Grace Park, "Yeah, there’s going to be a T & A version. Though maybe I should say T, C & A, because it’s not just girls this time…” The Plan will not be shown on SyFy until 2010, so the DVD/BD/download release will be the only way to see the film until then.

Episode 120a - Five Fingers of Geek (corrected)

The five top things that make members of the Hideout the geeks they are get revealed here. Right after we discuss a crap load of TV, the reply airplane engineers give their pilots, a little feed back and a list of some damn good Podcasts. All this and the kitchen sink, so
enjoy.

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Mini Green Hornets

Dynamite Entertainment is planning on 3 Green Hornet mini-series. A Golden-Age series written by Matt Wagner and drawn by Aaron Campbell, a near future Green Hornet written by written by Brett Matthews and the previously announced Kevin Smith Green Hornet will be based on his un-produced screenplay for the film, and will probably be four to six issues, although no final length has been determined. Alex Ross and John Cassaday will produce covers for the series. The way they thing are going the comics sounds as if they will go better then the movie.

Safe in the Dollhouse

Looks like Dollhouse isn't going anywhere for it's 13 episode run. Fox has decided to air the whole season despite its weak beginner ratings. Mostly because of very strong DVD sales, and the slight pick up in ratings for the last episode. While Fox will show all 13 episodes of the current season it's still up in the air whether the show will see another season. Time will tell.

Episode 120 - Five Fingers of Geek

This week we of the Hideout discuss the top 5 things that makes us geeks. But first, a Reply to a Comic Geek Speak reply, Ron Howard and HP Lovecraft come together, and comics, comics, comics. You kung-fued my sensei so now you have to listen to this weeks show.

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Powers Siege

Brian Michael Bendis made the rounds last week with two huge announcements. First his comic series, Powers, is currently in development by FX, the channel that brought us excellent television shows such as The Shield, Damages, Rescue Me and Nip/Tuck. The show is being produced by Kevin Falls who previously produced shows like The West Wing and Sports Night. Powers will be directed by Michael Dinner who directed the successful Sons of Anarchy and the Bionic Woman pilot. As for the next volume in the Powers comic series, Bendis says there's enough issues "in the can" to keep the next run on a pretty much regular monthly schedule.

Speaking of comic series, the current event in Marvel comics, Dark Reign, is coming to an end with the final four issue mini-series call The Siege. According to Bendis this mini-series will reunite Iron Man, Captain America and Thor and will eventually bring about the next Avengers status quo. The series will start with a prologue "Siege The Cabal" this December leading into the main series starting in January 2010.

Singer of the X

Bryan Singer wants to return to the X-men films. At the Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea he announced that he would love to return to the X-Men franchise as he loves the cast and the stories around it. While Superman Return was pretty bad, Singer has been bury with a lot of TV being the executive producer of House and Dirty Sexy Money. He planning on remaking Excalibur, and doing an unnecessary Battlestar Galactica movie (based more on the crappy 1980's series then the excellent version from Sci-Fi channel, now he in talks with Sony to go back to the X-films which were ruined by ultra crappy director Bret Ratner.

Episode 119a - Don't Make Me Laugh

After a review of Wicca Girl, and a look at TV's return to full schedule we discuss those comedy flicks we love to love. From the top grossing to the ones we just admire the list is pretty big but many of the movies are simply unforgettable. Enjoy.

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Episode 119 - Don't Make Me Laugh

This episode we tackle the funny sci-fi and horror movies over the years. From Spaceballs to Galaxy Quest, their the ones we all know and love and constantly quote. But first, a FanNation encouragement, more Disney news then you can sake a four billion dollar check at and even some comic reviews. Never give up, never surrender but always listen to this weeks episode.

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New Who Logo

The BBC has reveal the new Dr. Who logo for 2010, shape like a TARDIS, gleaming and a little metallic it's to represent the new Dr. Who, played this round by Matt Smith. The Hideout opinion is that the old logo always represented Dr. Who, it was fine through all the ages and incarnations, and could have used a bit of polish for the new times but not such a radical change. It's not that the new logo sucks, it's just such a far departure from the that's been around since the Doctor was first introduce to Sci-Fi consciousness. According to the BBC the iconic logo for Doctor is, much like the Doctor himself, up for a new regeneration. Along with the new logo the Doctor also gets a new assistant. Actress Karen Gillan will be the new assistant. New Doctor, new companion and new logo, can't wait to see how this all turns out.

Episode 118a - Treks In The Hideout

The 2nd part of our Star Trek discussion, from the Hideout's POV. And fall TV returns, and best in podcast. We not only engage, we make it so, so bean on up and have a listen.

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Ron Howard P. Lovecraft

In an interviw with Geoff Boucher from the L.A. Times Ron Howard talked about how excited the was to be working on a big screen adaptation of Image Comic's "The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft." The Academy Award-winning director said, "It very cleverly uses H.P. Lovecraft in a fictional way, but there are some loose biographical elements. It certainly has the flavor and the tone of Lovecraft. The character is a very young Lovecraft. Look, it's challenging, but if we get it right, it could be really original and psychologically interesting and scary in a great way. And it's a graphic novel. This is new territory for me… I'm very encouraged by it so far, the approach and the possibilities." Howard’s Imagine Entertainment acquired the rights The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft by Mac Carter in March 2009. While there's no official announcement on what Howard's next project will be, this movie seems to be a strong contender.

Episode 118 - Treks In The Hideout

What self-respecting geek podcast could go for any amount of time without doing a Star Trek show. In this episode we do ours. But first more Disney news than you can shake a billion dollar check at, Moon Knight returns and with a really great start, and why quitting comics is the same as lesbians of the 1980's. Oh no we didn't! Oh yes we did and it all on this episode.

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Hollywood's Rush to Marvel

Is there a reason why is Hollywood so keen on putting out so many Marvel based movies? So far we have had announcements about a Fantastic Four reboot, a Ghost Rider sequel, another X-Men movie with possibly a New Mutant film to follow, and now Fox is rebooting Daredevil and talking about that long overdue Silver Surfer flick. So what's up with all these Super Hero to film movies, staring Marvel heroes? Well the Disney acquisition has a lot to say in this. While Disney will have a hand-off approach to the comic publisher, there's no way in hell they're going to sit back and let a bunch of other studios continue to reap profits from movies. Any layman knows that the House of Mouse is waiting for license agreements to lapse and they will vacuum up all these properties and put them out under one entity - the way it really should be. Most of the movie licenses work like the comic properties, under a "use or lose" agreement. So if these other studios intend to continue to make money off Marvel properties, they've got to produce something from them no matter how good or bad they've done in theaters. Now there's been a lot of talk about how many of these property only enjoy moderate success, but don't listen to the bullshit. Most of these movies, with a few exceptions, made more then money back in theaters and did pretty damn well on DVD sales. Super Hero movies are not simply the flavor of the month but viable money making entities that does not seem to be going anywhere. So to all the nay-saying and nit pickers, good luck in the trend to see an end to this trend any time soon.

Buffy - Season 9

Remember when Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Season 8 was announced? It was said to be roughly 28 issues and would continue where the Season 7 television series ended? Well, now it's going to run 40 issues and according to an interview with Joss Whedon on Complex.com, there's going to be a Season 9. Joss promises this will be a different kind of storyline from Season 8 and might not run with as many issues. “I have had for a long time a conception for Season Nine," Said Whedon, "that is very different from Season Eight. It may not run as long, because 40 issues sounds great until you realize that it’s four or five years." It's no surprise that there will be another run on BTVS, considering it's Dark Horse's best selling title.

Masters of the Masters of the Universe

The film rights to Masters of the Universe are now in the hands of Sony’s Columbia Pictures, following the break-up of Mattel with Warner. Mattel allowed Warners’ option on the property to expire after reported creative differences. Development now starts over, with a new script expected, and possibly a new director. The rumors so far claims John Stevenson of Kung Fu Panda being attached. Escape Artists, producer of Taking of Pelham 123 & Pursuit of Happyness, will produce. No word as to if Will Smith or Denzel Washington will be taking the Skelator role.

Blaze Rides Again

Production has begun on a sequel to Ghost Rider film, and according to reports Nicholas Cage will be reprising is role as Johnny Blaze and David Goyer is going to direct, and might b writing too considering he wrote a script for the movie years ago when he was in negotiation to direct the first film. Mark Steven Johnson ending up writing and directing the first film. Before anyone puts the idea for a new movie down, don't forget that the first film grossed $116 million domestic and 113 million foreign, bringing it's over all gross to $229 million total - more then enough reason to give it another go.

Review: Eastwick - Pilot

Many people will confuse Eastwick as a remake of the 1987 Jack Nicholson/Cher vehicle "Witches of Eastwick", but the movie itself was based the 1966 John Updike novel of the same name (followed later by a sequel called "The Widows of Eastwick.") In the novel the three main characters, Alexandra Spofford, Jane Smart, and Sukie Rougemont are abandoned by husbands and form a coven. In the novel the "witches" already have power when Darryl Van Horne arrives in Eastwick. In the movie the three women are unmarried, two are single mothers and none have any actual powers until Van Horne (played by Jack Nicholson) shows up. All three are seduced and impregnated by Van Horne and the movie ends with them living in his mansion with said children. It was made in the 1980's and feather hair and shoulder pads aside, the 80's sensibilities are very apparent.

After the movie there was a little known 2002 pilot and a stage play which didn't get much in the way of attention.

The series pilot goes off the movie and novel in a few ways. Roxanne, Joanna and Kat, the three main characters, barely know each other and don't really like each other until a local woman (played by Veronica Cartwright - who was also in the 1987 movie) is attacked by fire ants while all three receive odd coins that draw them to make wishes in a fountain at the same time. While at the hospital where the fertile Kat is a nurse supporting a beer drinking out of work husband, the three get together for drinks and express wishes of meeting someone new. Enter Darryl Van Horne - played by Paul Gross - who buys a historical mansion and the newspaper where the doormat Joanna works as a struggling reporter where she pines for the handsome young photographer and has to put up with an editor with a breast brushing fetish.

So far we have a very interesting pilot that could lead to some fascinating possibilities. Each woman wakes up to their power very quickly and each power follows a bit of a formula (one psychic, one seems to control the forces of nature in surprising ways, one can make men do what she wants just by looking them in the eye.) There's a Pushing Daisies feel to the opening narrative which isn't a bad thing. The three main characters are likable and you can empathize with them which is important to sustain a television series. So far there isn't enough to nitpick about the episode, except the dialogue can be a little too clever at times but not enough to make ones eyes roll. Gross has some big shoes to fill following a role made popular by Jack Nicholson, and he's forward to a point that makes you wonder why he isn't beat up more but so far he put out the right vibe some someone (or something) dark and dangerous. Final vote, give it a watch, it looks like it might surprise everyone - long s it doesn't fall into routine like Desperate Housewives did.

There Can Be Only Another F@%&ing One

Dear God, they're rebooting Highlander. Really? Highlander, which hasn't produced a good version since. . .well every single one of them blew chunks. The first movie gets love because there are people who love any bad movie for pretty much any bad reason, and the 1980's is chock full of bad movies and people that love them. Admittedly Highlander spawned four sequels - the last one produced and shown on the Sci-fi channel, which pretty much says it all, and a TV series that was better then all the movies combined - which isn't saying much at all. There have been books and plenty of fan-fiction and even a short lived comic. There's no knocking the popularity of the franchise. . .wait a minute, yes there is as every single movie was, in fact, one piece of shit piled upon another. I mean Sean Connery was called "Spaniard" and didn't bother getting rid of his Irish accent - is there a better definition of the word "lame?" Despite this Summit Entertainment hired the makers of Fast and Furious. Justin Jin & Neal Moritz, to remake/reboot the franchise. And how will this next try at making this do? Think on this one: Moritz is currently producing the problematic Green Hornet and is making a movie based on the 1980's crap-fest Flash Gordon. The only shining part of this story is Iron Man writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway will being doing the script. So that's one cherry on this pile of dung.

Ultimate Watchmen

Get ready to ultimate, because the real cut of the Watchmen is finally coming out and there won't be any bullshit Blu-Ray Regular DVD distinctions. This November will mark the release of Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut, a 5-disc version of the movie based on the greatest comic mini-series ever written. This edition will include the Tales of the Black Freighter cut into the movie, new commentary tracks, the "Under the Hood" documentary and all 12 episodes of the Watchmen motion comic. The movie didn't do as well as expected in the theaters but generated $45 million dollars in sales on DVD, and the ultimate cut might not do so badly either. Estimate retail price will be $44 for the regular DVD and $59 for the blu-ray. Let's see how this one does.

Marvelous Halloween

Sexy women & Halloween, can anyone think of a better combination? And just toe add to the fray, the costume division of Jakks Pacific is creating a Women of Marvel line of costumes for this years witch-fest. The costumes include American Dream, Black Cat, Emma Frost - in what little costume she wears, and Black Suit Spider-girl. They will have a number of age groups and a range of styles. Paul Gitter, President of Marvel's Consumer Products says, “We continually look for ways to broaden the awareness of and maximize the potential of the Marvel universe among all audiences, and the launch of the Women of Marvel collection addresses the growing demand across the female demographic with high quality, fashion forward merchandise featuring the most relevant Marvel brands.” All I can say is if the products match the costumes from the comics - make mine Marvel, indeed.

Pitt and the Holmes 2

Starting a sequel before the movie comes out is the newest trend in Hollywood. The idea is you can get things started and have some control over eventual costs, especially if you can begin production and stop if your movie flops. The latest getting this treatment is the upcoming Warner Brothers flick, Sherlock Holmes, an action heavy version with Robert Downey Jr. playing the lead. According to The Hollywood Reporter Brad Pitt is in negotiations to play the Holmes arch-villain Moriarity, and Kieran and Michele Mulroney are doing the script. This is all probably a start and if the movie is any kind of success then we can expect the sequel with the speed of Harry Potter in a Quddich match.

Episode #117a - Dafixer Loves the 80's - Geek TV

With random intro talk, Ballywood Alladins and the beginning of TV getting a pulse back, we venture forth into a discussion on Geek TV of the 1980, from Galatica 1980 to the humble beginning of the Simpsons - this is the show about the days before Germany adopted Hasselhoff. Enjoy to the max, dudes.

MP3 File

Captain American & the Kirby Kids

Marvel news just doesn't stop. Every week brings something new to the table, and now it's the four children of Jack Kirby bringing the noise. The fraternal four have filed 45 copyright-termination notices looking to reclaim the copyrights to characters created or co-created by Jack Kirby. They are suing under the U.S. Copyright Act permitting authors and their heirs to terminate old copyright grants after a long waiting period. They want to reclaim these copyrights by 2014. According to a Disney spokesman, the notices involved are an attempt to terminate rights seven to 10 years from now and involve claims fully considered in the acquisition.” Some of the copyrights in question includes Captain America, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Silver Surfer, Galactus, Magneto, Doctor Doom and Black Panther. If the heir gain these copyrights they could ask for a substantial share of profits created by these characters through comics, movies, cartoons and licensing - or they could license the characters themselves without Marvel's permission. Could this sudden interest in taking these copyrights have anything to do with the sudden success of super hero movies, or the big, deal with Disney? We say thee, fuck yeah.

Meatballs On Top of Megan's Body

Looks like Megan Fox wasn't sexy enough to beat the kid flick. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs kicked box office butt gaining $30.1 in box office bucks. Right behind it The Informant, only cracking the $10 mark. So where does Jennifer's Body fall? Squarely at #5 behind the lastest Tyler Perry crap-fest and the Jennifer Anniston flick boyfriends and husband's were forced to go see, Love Happens. Sadly the comedy horror flick only managed to grab $6 million - so much for sexy being #1.

Episode #117 - Dafixer Loves the 80's - Geek TV

On the 2nd in our retro show series we go back to the 1980's and take a look at geek TV of that decade. In this part Dafixer has another take on Bones, Hobbits get settled, Monopoly gets an update, Rambo goes predator and Joss Whedon writes another comic. We pity the fools who miss this show, so sit back relax and get your freak and geek on in this exciting episode.

MP3 File

Imax Wars

The battle to get Hollywood blockbusters on IMax and 3D venues is no joke, and the competition is feirce. And proven track records have nothing to do with it, it's all about first come, first serve. Take the example of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Warner Brothers moved it from from a Chirsmas 2008 run to a Summer 2009 but couldn't get it on IMax screens until Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen finished its IMax run. Spider-Man 4 plans to debut on IMax on the same day in 2011 t will come to regular theaters. The reason for this race to IMax screen is simple, the higher ticket prices that comes with seeing a movin on Imax drive up a movie's gross, especially during the Summer Movie season. This is forcing studios to spread their 3D and digitally enhanced blockbusters throughout the year in order to secure enough of the prime venues. While it’s a good bet that more and more screens will become 3D-enabled, there is still a shortage properly equipped theaters that is likely to be with us for at least a couple more years. This shortfall will be especially evident when a number of 3D films debut in close proximity. As for the giant screen Imax venues, they will remain a limited resource for the foreseeable future with just 273 theaters worldwide at present.

According to Variety Disney has announced that its 3D film Tron Legacy will be released in 3D on December 17th, 2010 at both Imax and traditional theaters using Disney Digital 3D. The Mouse House has inked a 5-picture agreement with IMAX and has decided that Tron Legacy is Imax-worthy, even though the original 1982 Tron film, while groundbreaking in many respects, only brought in a mediocre $33 million at the box office.

Disney is hoping that the prospect of a new Tron film produced in 3D will be enough to propel the pioneering property that melded movies and video games to success at last. It should be interesting to see if there are enough 3D-capable screens by December 2010 that films will be able to be released exclusively (or nearly exclusively) in the extra-dimensional format.